Terms of reference
Consultancy for the facilitation of the drafting process of the Common Strategic Framework (CSC) Morocco 2027-2031 of Belgian non-governmental cooperation actors in Morocco
- General context
Belgian Non-Governmental Cooperation Actors (NGCAs) are currently preparing their five-year programs in Morocco for the period 2027-2031. In accordance with the Royal Decree of September 11, 2016, revised on April 30, 2024, these programs must be part of a Common Strategic Framework (CSF), which constitutes a strategic reference instrument validated by the Directorate General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD).
In 2020, a joint context analysis was carried out, and in 2021, the CSC Morocco 2022-2026 was approved by the DGD. The future CSC 2027-2031 will build on the achievements and lessons learned from this experience. It will be developed in a collective and participatory manner by all the ACNG active in Morocco, also involving their local partners.
The consultancy mission essentially consists, under the supervision of the ACNG members of the CSC Morocco and the editors-in-chief, Médecins du Monde (MdM) and Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF), of supporting the collective development process and ensuring the consistency of the final document, which must be submitted to the DGD no later than December 15, 2025.
2. Mission objectives
The consultant’s mission will be to:
- Carry out an updated analysis of the context and risks in Morocco, integrating political, socio-economic, environmental and demographic dimensions, civic space and civil society, as well as the role of national, bilateral and multilateral partners;
- Support the definition of strategic targets and demonstrate their relevance for development, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Moroccan national priorities and the lessons learned from the CSC 2022-2026;
- Describe the approaches favored by the ACNG, ensuring their strategic nature, identify and formulate the complementarities and synergies between ACNG and with other actors, in particular Belgian bilateral cooperation;
- Formulate the collective learning questions that will structure CSC learning throughout the 2027-2031 period.
- Facilitate an inclusive and participatory process involving all ACNGs and their local partners;
- Ensure the final drafting of the CSC Morocco 2027-2031, in the harmonized format of the vade-mecum, validated by the ACNG and ready to be submitted to the DGD.
3. Methodology and Deliverables
Phase 1: Document analysis and initial proposals (October 20–23, 2025)
The consultant will carry out a thorough review:
- of the CSC Morocco 2022-2026, of the vade-mecum 2027-2031 and of the expected official structure;
- documents transmitted by the ACNG relating to the context, sectors of intervention and risks, as well as specific updates linked to the strategic targets envisaged;
- relevant Moroccan national policies and the role of other actors);
- other relevant secondary or academic sources.
On this basis, the consultant will propose a first draft text, including:
- a detailed contextual analysis (political, socio-economic, environmental, demographic);
- a macro-analysis of national policies and an analysis of the main risks (macro and sectoral);
- an overview of civil society and other development actors in Morocco;
- a first list of strategic targets.
Deliverable 1: Draft text – Context and risk analysis, including a proposal for strategic targets.
Deadline: October 23, 2025.
Phase 2 – Consultation and in-depth study (October 24– November 15, 2025)
The consultant will lead one or more workshops, in person and/or online, in order to:
- collectively explore certain aspects of the context, the mapping of actors and risks;
- explore and formulate the possibilities of complementarity and synergy between ACNG and with other actors;
- define collective learning trajectories for the period 2027-2031;
- integrate, where appropriate, other points identified by the ACNG upstream of the
Deliverable 2: Enriched text project including:
- for each strategic target: relevance, approaches, complementarities and synergies;
- links with thematic and regional CSCs;
- formulation of collective learning questions.
Deadline: November 15, 2025.
Phase 3 – Drafting and finalization of the CSC (November 15 – December 7, 2025)
Under the coordination of the editorial committee, the consultant will ensure the complete drafting of the CSC Morocco 2027-2031 based on the materials collected in phases 1 and 2. This work will include:
- the synthesis and harmonization of the contributions of the ACNG;
- the formulation of clear and shared compromises;
- the adoption of a strategic and coherent vocabulary;
- the revision and final formatting of the document.
Deliverable 3: Final text of the CSC Morocco 2027-2031, in accordance with the requirements of the vade-mecum and validated by all ACNGs.
Deadline: December 7, 2025.
4. Expected results
- A validated CSC Morocco 2027-2031, in accordance with the vade-mecum, approved by the ACNG and submitted to the DGD;
- A participatory, inclusive and documented process, guaranteeing the integration of local partners;
- Clearly defined collective learning questions;
- A concise, strategic and communicable document (compliance with the vade-mecum page guidelines).
5. Principle of analysis
The consultant must take into account the following analysis principles:
- Neutrality:Â The consultant must remain neutral and avoid any bias in the information or results of the discussions.
- Confidentiality:Â Respondents must be given absolute confidentiality: data will not be attributed to individual respondents and the consultant will request permission to use anonymous quotes or stories when presenting their findings.
- Factual basis:Â Opinions and perceptions must be firmly based on facts and experiences with organizations.
- Cultural fit:Â Care should be taken to balance sensitivities related to local and organizational culture and practices to gain a real insight into partnership issues.
- Gender and generational sensitivity.
6. Duration, schedule and budget
- Total duration: 2.5 months (October to December 2025). A precise timetable will be established in consultation with ASF and MDM, editors-in-chief, as part of this process.
- Estimate: approximately 20 days of consultancy.
7. Consultant profile
- Solid knowledge of the political, economic and societal context of Morocco;
- Excellent knowledge of the framework of Belgian Federal Cooperation and the requirements of the DGD, particularly with regard to the implementation of Common Strategic Frameworks;
- Proven expertise in multi-stakeholder facilitation, management of participatory processes and workshop facilitation;
- Excellent strategic writing and synthesis skills;
- Knowledge of SDGs and Nexus (humanitarian-development) approaches;
- Gender, intergenerational and intercultural sensitivity;
- Neutrality, confidentiality and analytical rigor.
8. Contractual terms
- Service provision contract established with Médecins du Monde (MdM) which will be the lead organization for the contract, and co-editor-in-chief with Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF).
- Payment in installments:Â 50% upon signature, 20% after validation of deliverables 1 and 2, 30% after acceptance of the final deliverable.
- All costs related to the mission (travel, insurance, visa, per diem) are the responsibility of the consultant.
9. Selection process
Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of their compliance with the terms of reference, using the following evaluation criteria and points system:
- Expertise, experience and skills of the consultant:Â 30 points
- Understanding of the TDR and matching between supply and demand:Â 20 points
- Proposed methodology:Â 30 points
- Financial offer:Â 20 points
The structure that offered the best deal will be contacted to negotiate the contract.
10. Information
List of reference documents available for consultation:
- Vade-mecum for the development of the CSC 2027-2031
- CSC Morocco 2022-2026
How to apply
Submission of offers
Application files must include:
- The consultant’s CV;
- A methodological proposal (including a first draft of the tools envisaged), maximum 5 pages;
- A provisional work schedule;
- A detailed budget proposal, including fees, travel expenses and any other possible costs;
- Written confirmation of availability for the mission period.
Complete proposals must be sent by 8:00 p.m. (Belgium time) on October 12, 2025, to the following link: Apply here
